Deone Walker, Keeshawn Silver Looking to Wreak Havoc as Kentucky's Monstrous D-Line Combo
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LEXINGTON, Ky. — In 2021, the arrival of quarterback Will Levis, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson and offensive coordinator Liam Coen brought a brand new flavor to Kentucky football's offensive structure.
The newfound excitement surrounding that side of the football took the shine, as go-balls and huge chunk plays became the norm for a year, providing a much different look than the previous operations for a Mark Stoops-coached team.
Coen and Robinson left after that season, as did a stout offensive line core. Levis returned, but some of the replacements around him were a clear step down, leading to a 2022 campaign that was filled with injury, poor offense and disappointments.
What didn't change during those two seasons was the other side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Brad White has kept his group steady for years, compiling a unit that finished with the 12th best defense in the nation in 2022, allowing less than 20 points-per-game on average.
UK's defensive dominance was soiled and not in the spotlight, as the offense floundered and took all of the headlines. That doesn't take anything away from the success that it found, though.
White, now entering his fifth season as DC in Lexington, once again possesses a talented bunch. There's excitement all over the field, but the hype that's already surrounding the defensive line is astounding.
At the front of the hype train is, of course, Deone Walker. The 6-foot-6, 350-pounder burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2022, collecting 40 tackles, five QB hurries and a pair of pass breakups. The Detroit product was a wrecking ball in the middle of the trenches, making life difficult for opposing linemen.
Now, Walker is looking to build off of a successful first season for UK and take that next step as a physical and powerful defensive tackle.
"I'm really just trying to sharpen my iron. Evolve our team, get better as a team. Be more open to being a leader, just work on my conditioning," he told reporters on Thursday. "I left so many plays out on the field last year. I feel like if I get a good year in, i'm gonna have about a 50-60 tackle season."
Being an imposing figure helps, but it also hinders, as players built like Walker eventually face nothing but double and triple teams. Luckily, he now has a humongous reinforcement that could become a game-changer for the Wildcats' d-line as a whole.
The seventh and final transfer portal addition of the offseason for UK, Keeshawn Silver made the jump to the Bluegrass from North Carolina. The former 5-star recruit was highly sought after, but didn't play much for the Tar Heels in two seasons, appearing in just six games during that span.
"It's very motivating because I got something to drive for, working for. I'm working for something right now, I've got a purpose," Silver said.
Standing 6-foot-4 and 322 pounds, it's easy to see why Kentucky's coaches were so over the moon by his addition. When speaking to reporters on Monday, Stoops had early glowing impressions of the Rocky Mount, N.C. native.
"He is a big dude. I know he showed up today ... I'm pretty impressed with Keeshawn, I really am. He's a monster."
White followed suit, noting more than just his striking stature:
"It's only the first day in pads but encouraged by his attitude," he said. "Obviously, his size, you know, is is something that's desirable and what we're hunting. He's got length and girth and he's got a willingness to learn and put time in and work and he's got just got a really good personality."
Silver will have a big hole to fill, as veteran Justin Rogers decided to hit the portal, heading to the SEC West to play for the Auburn Tigers. The junior started in 12 of 13 games played in 2022 and had 33 tackles, 1.5 TFL and a half sack.
Still, Walker sees his new mountainous teammate being able to plug in and keep the conveyor belt moving.
"It's scary. Losing Justin, that was a big upset, but I feel like Keeshawn is coming in and taking the spot," Walker said. "He has a high motor, he's efficient, he's good and he learns quick."
When asked about Walker, Silver smiled, fully aware of the potent combo they can become in the lead-up to their first season together
"Really huge guys. Strong and powerful...destruction, really, us two in there at the same time," he said.
Kentucky's defensive line will be an even wider load to handle in 2023.
More on Kentucky's offensive line HERE.
Five things you need to know from Mark Stoops' opening spring presser HERE.
Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.
Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
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